RS Aero Class adds new rig for smaller adults

The RS Aero Class has announced the production launch of a new rig specifically designed for smaller adults.

RS Sailing claims the new RS Aero 6 rig will remove barriers for women and smaller men who have previously found themselves between the rig sizes.

“After a long period of consideration, trialling, testing and consulting it is really exciting for the RS Aero Class to be adopting the new RS Aero 6 rig,” says RS Aero Class manager, Peter Barton. “The time is now right within the Class’ evolvement and international support for the proposal.

“The RS Aero 6 size fits a highly populated space between the RS Aero 5 and 7 rig sizes. The new option will provide a sweet spot for many sailors, notably smaller adults, and particularly females, keen to grow the new RS Aero 6 fleet and with it grow the RS Aero Class as a whole.”

Development of the RS Aero 6 began in 2019. The new rig system includes a 6.3-sqm high denier Dacron mainsail, which is manufactured by North Sails. The radial cut sail is said to be in line with the existing characteristics of the RS Aero 7 mainsail but with a slightly flatter head.

Following a period of consultation, the UK RS Aero Class agreed at its 2021 AGM to propose the adoption of the RS Aero 6 rig to the International RS Aero Class. RS Sailing says the international responses were “overwhelmingly in support” of the proposal, which resulted in a clear conclusion for adoption.

Alex Newton-Southon, CEO for design and technologies at RS Sailing, comments: “RS Sailing has worked with the RS Aero Class Association for a number of years to develop the RS Aero 6 rig. This rig will encourage more women and smaller men to get involved in the class and further support the growth of the youth fleet. We look forward to welcoming the RS Aero 6 fleet to the RS Games in 2022.”